Optitest Air Leak Testing Systems
Optitest is Optimeasure’s own range of pressure decay air leak testers, supplied, integrated and supported from our Bedford facility. Two models cover everything from straightforward pass/fail leak detection to a multi-function test bench:
- Optitest — entry-level, pure air leak detection using absolute pressure measurement. Built to balance economy against build quality.
- Optitest IQ — multifunctional air test device covering differential and absolute pressure, mass flow, vacuum, volume determination, occlusion and burst.
Which Model Do You Need?
If you are testing one component against a single pass/fail criterion, the base Optitest does that job at lower cost. Choose the Optitest IQ when you need more than one test type on the same bench, test pressures above 10 barG, or several tests linked in sequence without adding a PLC.
Worth knowing: for pure absolute pressure decay testing, the base Optitest is actually the more accurate instrument — 0.3% of full scale against 1% of measuring span on the IQ. The IQ earns its place through breadth of test types, pressure range and integration depth, not through tighter accuracy on a single absolute test. If absolute pressure decay is all you need, the cheaper model is also the better one.
▶ Optitest vs Optitest IQ — Technical Specifications
| Specification | Optitest | Optitest IQ |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement System | Absolute pressure | Differential & Absolute pressure |
| Pressure Range | -1 barG to 10 barG | -1 barG to 50 barG |
| Accuracy | 0.3% of full scale | 1% of measuring span (absolute); 2% (differential/mass flow) |
| Repeatability | 0.3% of full scale | 1% of full scale |
| Test Types | Absolute pressure leak testing | Absolute pressure, differential pressure, mass flow, vacuum, volume determination, occlusion, burst, sequential linking (up to 8, no PLC) |
| Gross Leak Detection | Default on all programmes + 15% of test pressure | Assignable per programme; fully customisable |
| Programmable I/O | 8 digital in / 8 digital out, expandable to 40 | 8 digital in / 8 digital out, expandable to 40 — with ~250 output and 100+ input functions |
| Communication | LAN, 5× USB, 2× RS232, HDMI, VGA, PROFIBUS/PROFINET, Digital I/O | RS232, USB-A, USB-B, PROFIBUS/PROFINET, Digital I/O, Ethernet |
| Barcode Compatibility | Yes | Yes |
| Programme Slots | 127 (default 20, configurable) | 127 freely programmable |
| Operating Temperature | 10°C to 40°C | 10°C to 45°C |
Sensitivity and Method
Both models are pressure decay instruments. In practice, pressure decay spans roughly 10⁻¹ to 10⁻³ mbar·l/s, with the lower end only achievable under highly controlled conditions. If your specification demands better than roughly 10⁻³ mbar·l/s, a tracer gas method is the appropriate route. See pressure decay leak testing for the method in full, or air leak testing for applications, sectors and standards.
Replacing Legacy Equipment
The Optitest series functions as a drop-in functional replacement for major international brands including ATEQ, Furness Controls, USON, Qualitek, J.W. Froelich, Zeltwanger and Schreiner — usually without altering existing PLC code, IO maps or bench footprints. The full cross-reference and migration guide is on the air leak testing page, and our in-house integration team can manage the migration end to end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complex Testing Requirements?
